How to Prepare for a Tattoo in Key West

Show up ready—for your artist, your body, and your tattoo.

Getting a tattoo in Key West is more than a vacation souvenir—it’s a commitment. Whether you’ve been planning your piece for months or just walked in on a whim, how you prepare for the tattoo sets the tone for your entire experience. We want you to be as comfortable as possible.

Hydrate ahead of time.
Drink plenty of water the day before and the day of your appointment. Hydrated skin accepts ink better, heals faster, and often results in a smoother tattoo session. Dry, dehydrated skin is harder to work with—don’t wait until the last minute.

Eat a real meal before you come in.
We’re not talking a snack or a quick coffee. Your body needs fuel. A solid meal helps regulate blood sugar and keeps you from feeling lightheaded or nauseous mid-session. If you faint, you’re going to be embarrassed. If you don’t eat, you might faint. Easy math.

Get a full night’s sleep.
Tired bodies are more sensitive and less cooperative under the needle. Show up rested, not wrecked. If you were out late soaking up Key West the night before, give yourself some time to bounce back. Tattoos and hangovers don’t mix.

Skip the alcohol and blood thinners.
No booze the night before or the day of. Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and supplements like fish oil or vitamin E. All of these thin your blood, which means more bleeding, blurred lines, and slower healing. It’s not worth it.

Dress for the tattoo you’re getting.
If you’re getting something on your ribs, don’t wear tight clothes. If it’s your thigh, skip the jeans. If it on your hip, wear underwear.. We have seen many parts of people that didn’t intend to show their goods to the whole shop. Wear something loose and comfortable that allows your artist easy access to the area while covering all the sensitive bits.

Shower before your appointment.
Clean skin is easier to work with. Skip the lotion, skip the sunscreen, skip the perfume. Just show up clean and dry.

Come solo.
We love that your friend supports your decision, but this isn’t a group activity. Extra people are a distraction in a professional environment. No plus-ones, no peanut galleries. Just you and your artist focused on the tattoo application. We know some shops allow a friend to sit with you. Unfortunately our shop isn’t set up for that.

Bring valid ID and payment.
You’ll need a government-issued photo ID—no exceptions. We accept cash and all major credit cards

Be real with your artist.
If you’re nervous, if you have allergies, medical conditions, or any questions—speak up. The more we know, the better we can take care of you.

Preparation matters.
A little effort before your appointment leads to better tattoos, smoother sessions, and faster healing. Show up ready, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Questions?
Text us before booking—our crew’s here to help you get it right from the start. Need some ideas for your next tattoo? Check out our Gallery